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Apr 10, 2007 10:19 pm US/Pacific
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Calif. Pet Owners Split Over Spay & Neuter Bill
by Tony Russomanno
SACRAMENTO (CBS 5) ―
Pet lovers appear to be split over a proposed bill that would require nearly all dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered. The issue was hotly debated in front of at around 250 people at a legislative hearing Tuesday in Sacramento.
Supporters say it would help stop the killing of more than half a million animals by euthanasia in California each year.
"We saved three (animals) and watch 100 die," said Sherry Mulholland, a supporter of the bill. "It's almost a useless effort."
Pets would have to be fixed before they're four months old or their owners could be hit with a $500 fine.
Opponents say the bill would do more harm than good.
Many studies show that doing this to a dog before they're six months old would hurt the dog itself" said Lorna O'Connor, who opposes the bill.
Supporters of the bill wore shirts with pictures of euthanized animals on them.
"It's a living creature that dies because it was born and it had nowhere to go," one supporter said.
Legitimate breeders could get a permit, but dog or cat owners could not simply allow their pets to mate.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)